"If he was just sixteen when he signed up (for your argument between Aug & Dec 1914 it could have been between Aug & Dec 1916 before he saw the front."

Example: Harry Patch - Conscript - called up in the late summer of 1916 - Did not go to France until June or July 1917 - Wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele in September 1917.

Example: Here is what happened to the 24th Division made up of Kitchener's recruits -

The history of 24th Division (Long.Long Trail)

This Division was established in September 1914 as part of Army Order 388 authorising Kitchener's Third New Army, K3. The units of the Division began to assemble in the area of Shoreham. Early days were somewhat chaotic, the new volunteers having very few trained officers and NCOs to command them, no organised billets or equipment. It was March 1915 before makeshift drab uniforms arrived and not untul July before rifles were issued.

The Division moved 19-23 June 1915 to Aldershot for final training. Lord Kitchener inspected the Division at Chobham ranges on 19 August and next day it was the turn of King George V. Orders were received on 19 August to move to France and the first units departed one week later.

Concentration was completed in the area between Etaples and St Pol on 4 September [Raggy over ONE YEAR from when they were formed!!!]. It was sent into action on 26 September.

Joins up in August 1914 with the "lad from Cannock" who reportedly died 18 months after joining up (That is what is states in the article) August 1915 is 12 months later and January 1916 makes 18 months.

Joins up December 1914, December 1915 is 12 months and June 1916 makes 18 months

You are proposing August 1916 or December 1916 which makes 24 months surely if the respective start points are August 1914 and December 1914.